India’s U20 rugby team beat UAE 24-17 in the Asia Rugby U20 Sevens Championship. Here’s a fun, clear, and spirited explainer of this win.
- When India’s Rugby Players Turn Into Plot Twist Heroes
- What Actually Happened?
- Why This Win Matters
- What’s the Tournament Setup?
- Game Highlights—India vs UAE
- Crowd Reaction & Atmosphere
- What Comes Next for India U20 Men?
- Why the Women’s Matches Also Matter
- The Fun Side of the Field
- Nokjhok’s Final Scrum (Verdict)
When India’s Rugby Players Turn Into Plot Twist Heroes
Imagine you’re watching an underdog movie—India vs UAE in rugby, where everyone expects the big guys to win. Cue the dramatic twist: India scores a win, puts on those invisible capes, and becomes the hero nobody saw coming.
That’s exactly what happened in the Asia Rugby U20 Sevens Championship, held in Rajgir, Bihar. The Indian U20 men’s team pulled off their first-ever win over UAE, with a scoreline of 24–17. It sounds like a Bollywood pre-climax where the crowd goes wild, and the background music hits that high note.
What Actually Happened?
This historic win took place on Day 1 of the Asia Rugby Emirates U20 Sevens Series 2025. India, led by coach Paco Hernandez, finally broke their five-match stretch of defeats against UAE at this level, making it a landmark moment.
Charan Hembram got the ball rolling with a try and a conversion, followed by solid tries from Goldan Kumar and David Munda—his second came in the late game to seal the victory. India held on despite UAE’s spirited fightback.
Why This Win Matters
- Breaking the UAE Jinx: India had never beaten the UAE in U18 or U20 rugby before. This was their first win in five attempts.
- Confidence Booster: Beating a team considered stronger inspires the entire squad and future matches.
- Home Advantage: This win happened on home turf in Rajgir, making it sweeter for players and fans alike.
- Growing Rugby Culture: India might be cricket’s home, but moments like this shine a spotlight on rugby as a sport on the rise.
What’s the Tournament Setup?
The Asia Rugby Emirates U20 Sevens is a continental rugby sevens tournament featuring U20 teams from across Asia, including India, UAE, Sri Lanka, China, Hong Kong China, Kazakhstan, Malaysia (men only), and Nepal (women only).
It’s a high-energy series featuring fast rugby, big tackles, and even bigger surprises—like India showing spirit, grit, and perhaps a bit of magic.
Game Highlights—India vs UAE
- Score: India 24–17 UAE
- Tries: Charan Hembram (1 try + conversion), Goldan Kumar, David Munda (2 tries)
- Key Moment: India held their nerve in the closing minutes to deny UAE a comeback.
Crowd Reaction & Atmosphere
Imagine cheering crowds, roaring with every try. In Rajgir, the home crowd’s energy was electric. The stadium acted like a giant battery charging the team’s spirit. The win wasn’t just a scoreline—it was a story of teamwork, tackling, and delivering when it counted the most.
What Comes Next for India U20 Men?
India’s U20 men didn’t carry the same momentum into their next pool matches, losing to Sri Lanka and Hong Kong China. But the UAE win remains a strong memory and a solid foundation for future progress.
Why the Women’s Matches Also Matter
Though women’s results aren’t the focus here, India’s U20 women also made waves—winning medals and showcasing how both men and women are pushing India’s rugby journey forward, especially with India hosting for the first time.
The Fun Side of the Field
- Bollywood Rewrite: India’s rugby team should be in action movies—scoring underdogs, tears, cheers, slow-mos of tackles.
- Snack Stamina: That win must have fueled local samosas, jalebis, and tea supplies.
- Instant Fans: Midnight rugby watchers probably became fan clubs overnight. Because who doesn’t cheer when underdogs surprise?
Nokjhok’s Final Scrum (Verdict)
This win isn’t just a line in a sports log. It’s a message: Indian rugby isn’t just joining the party—it’s starting to shape its own beat. Historic? Check. Inspiring? Double-check. Want to see India play again? You bet.
So here’s hoping this isn’t a one-off spark but a fire that’ll light the path for future rugby stars.
Did you watch the U20 upset live or hear legends of it later? Share your rugby stories in the comments. And if your heart’s now in rugby, tag that friend who still thinks rugby is just “aggressive yoga.”
👉 Related Nokjhok article: “Asia Cup 2025 India Squad: SKY Takes Charge, Gill Rises”
